The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that 34 terrorists and six soldiers died during the attack on military base at Sabon Gari in Damboa local government area of Borno State.
The Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba who confirmed this in a statement said the identity of killed in action soldiers are withheld to allow administrative procedures to inform their families.
Note that ISWAP/BHT terrorist on 4 January 2025 riding on motor cycles and Gun trucks attacked troops deployed at Sabon Gari Village of Dambia local government area of Borno State.
According to the General Buba, the terrorist had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.
However,the terrorist were taken unaware, when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced.
He said troops reinforcement team comprised of elements of Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilante as well as hybrid forces timely arrived the scene to over power the terrorists.
The Director said though troops reinforcement team encountered Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander, they arrived timely to decimate the fleeing terrorist.
He added that the air component of Operation HADIN KAI also conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.
According to him, the Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.
“On the whole, 34 terrorist were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunitions. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action,”he said.
He explained that the names of killed in action personnel are being withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin be concluded.
He therefore, requested that the media respect the process
He reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.
He assured that troops remain committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.
